By Madeline Zuckerman
Desert Arc, currently celebrating its 66th year of successfully providing programs and services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has announced the appointment of Michelle Peters to the position of President/CEO, effective April 1, 2025. Ms. Peters will succeed Richard Balocco, who is retiring.
“After serving as Desert Arc’s President/CEO for 18 years and working with our clients, and dedicated staff, and Board of Directors, making the decision to retire was not an easy one,” said Richard Balocco. “However, passing the baton to Michelle Peters, who has 30 years of experience with organizations like Desert Arc, gives me great confidence in its future. I am pleased to welcome my successor.”
Michelle Peters brings over 30 years of experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer for Emmaus Homes in Missouri. Her impressive track record encompasses the execution of strategic initiatives yielding streamlined operations, enhanced team productivity, and significant improvement in service delivery. Under her leadership, Michelle created innovative solutions to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. As COO, Michelle played a pivotal role in addressing complex community challenges and championing advocacy efforts for and with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“I am thrilled to join Desert Arc’s team as the new President/CEO! I believe communication and collaboration are the cornerstones of a successful organization. Together we will continue to make a difference and enhance the lives of those with disabilities.”
Prior to her 10+ year tenure with Emmaus Homes, she held various leadership and case management positions with the Missouri Department of Mental Health. She served as the Treasurer for the Gateway Coalition of Service Providers for the St. Louis Metro area and Starling, a statewide trade association of community providers throughout Missouri, and served on the Board of Family Advocacy and Community Training (F.A.C.T.) since 2014.
“Michelle is a lady of capability, capacity, and character, all attributes that Desert Arc’s Board of Directors’ Selection Committee greatly admired,” said Doug Watson, Desert Arc Board Chair. “Her leadership style and vast experience in the nonprofit, human social services sector are impressive. She is so full of joy and excitement to be joining us, and everyone at Desert Arc is too!”
ABOUT DESERT ARC
Desert Arc, a nonprofit, charitable human social services organization, has championed the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1959. Currently serving 700 adults, its mission is to enhance the quality of life and create opportunities for people with disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, epilepsy, as well as, other medical conditions. The various programs offered by Desert Arc are designed to give each individual a safe and supportive, person-centric resource base to reach their highest potential to live, work, and socialize in the community. These include an Adult Day Program, Pathways to Employment vocational training and For Your Independence life skills coaching. These are complemented by Desert Arc’s Health Care Program with two full-time Licensed Vocational Nurses on staff, a Cafeteria/Nutrition Program providing meals and snacks throughout the day, a Community Connections Program giving people access to arts, sports, recreation and other extracurricular activities. Dedicated to social innovation, Desert Arc has also created
microenterprises providing Business Services including Shredding & Recycling, Landscape Maintenance, and Janitorial Divisions to local businesses and residents. Over at 66-year history, Desert Arc continues to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Desert Arc’s main headquarters is located on Country Club Drive in Palm Desert, consisting of three buildings totaling 50,000 square feet of space. In addition, Desert Arc has a Shredding & Recycling Center and Transportation Depot in Indio, and another program site in Yucca Valley.
For additional information on Desert Arc please call 760-346-1611.
